Everton have today confirmed the signing of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov from Lokomotiv Moscow for an undisclosed fee. Securing the Russian midfielder's signature was done in the unconventional way of skipping over to a neutral venue - Hamburg - to meet the player yesterday to conclude negotiations, as the midfielder is permitted to enter Germany on a Russian passport without the need of a visa. With the i's dotted and the t's crossed on a five-year contract, the 24-year-old Bilyaletdinov has now returned to his homeland where he will begin the paperwork of applying for a visa application to enter the UK. The Toffees' chief executive, Robert Elstone, told the Premier League club's official website that the club were delighted to have got their man, with the manager David Moyes having tracked the Lokomotiv player for some time. "We are delighted to have secured the services of Diniyar," said Elstone. "I know David Moyes has wanted to bring him to Goodison for some time and we look forward to welcoming him." Bilyaletdinov has won 28 caps for his national side and is a firm fixture under coach Guus Hiddink, enjoying a place in everyone of Russia's games in their run up to the semi-finals in Euro 2008. He is not eligible to play for the Merseysiders in their upcoming Europa League play-off second leg against Sigma Olomouc nor their Premier League clash with Wigan on Sunday. It is expected he will not meet up with his new teammates until after Russia's World Cup qualifier against Wales in Cardiff early next month.
sluckings@thenational.ae * With Agencies
